The outbreak of multiple cases of measles in Victoria, which has caused health professionals alarm over the past couple of weeks, has now spread to Sydney, with a northern beaches man diagnosed after visiting Melbourne.
11 diagnosed cases have been confirmed in Melbourne over the past two weeks and now hospitals and medical care professionals have released warnings for certain areas of Sydney after the highly infectious disease has traveled north.
The Northern Sydney Local Health District has issued an alert for areas that include Warringah Mall & surrounding Brookvale, as well as Parramatta, where the infected male had visited between September 23 and 26.
The person diagnosed over the weekend had, whilst infectious, spent time at Warringah Mall; Borders Skateboard, Brookvale; Decked Out Games, Brookvale; Skate parks at Miller Reserve, Cromer, and St Matthews Farm, Manly Vale; and Riverside Theatre at Parramatta.
Anyone who had been at those locations should be aware of the symptoms of measles and seek medical attention if they become unwell.
NSLHD public health director Dr Michael Staff has told 9 News that “it’s very important to prevent further spread of this serious illness.”
The measles virus is highly contagious and is spread through the air by someone who is unwell with the disease. People with measles symptoms should stay home from school or work and not go out in public.
We recommend medical attention be sought, but if you or your child shows these symptoms you should call the doctor’s surgery before you go in so they can make arrangements to see you without the risk of you spreading the virus to other people.
Symptoms include fever, sore eyes and a cough followed a few days later by a non-itchy rash, when the fever is still present.
You can read the full release from the NSLHD here.
Stay safe out there fam.
